UPDATE DEC. 15
The popular restaurant and nightclube abruptly closed its doors in mid December after a disagreement between Sammy Hagar and developer Milt Barbi.
After school some friends and I decided to catch an early dinner at a new Mexican cantina. We all heard good things about Cabo Wabo but the praise was nothing in comparison to our experience.
Inside the Mexican restaurant, we were greeted with a party atmosphere. The beach-and-surf decor left my guests and I fascinated. The walls were covered in colorful designs and patterns, courtesy of a few Disney painters employed by the restaurant’s owner.
The atmosphere creates a very laid-back, ?hang loose? feel. After hours, the Mexican beach aura turns into a dance rave. Bouncers arrive at 8:30 p.m. to check IDs and the strobe lights send flashes of colorful lights across the room.
Cabo Wabo’s owner, Sammy Hagar, is most known for his membership in the ’60s rock group, Van Halen. After his success with the band, he decided to switch gears and focus on another love of his: tequila. He decided to create his own, and his signature drink is now the most popular tequila on the menu.
But the cantina is far more than a over 21 spot. It is all about the food and music.
Because of Hagar’s band experience, he will occasionally put on a show for his customers. And other rockers will play concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Even without the concerts, Cabo Wabo’s evening club will still satisfy most customers.
During my visit, my friends and I were first given a bowl of tortilla chips with chili seasoning and salsa. For the meal, we ordered the most popular dishes on the menu. We chose to share some fajitas for $13 a person. They arrived sizzling with grilled vegetables and steaming herb-seasoned chicken. Classic sides, such as sour cream, guacamole, beans and tortillas came with the dish.
As for the burrito, the $13 plate was filled with beans and three Mexican cheeses. For the filling, I chose the achiote-marinated grilled chicken breast.
As we dug into both dishes, I was astonished by the fabulous taste. Hot and fresh, the food was the real Mexican deal. All of the ingredients in the burrito complemented each other exceptionally well, creating a contrast between the cool condiments and hot chicken. The food tasted so fresh and authentic, I almost felt as though the grand atmosphere of Cabo Wabo and the portions offered did not fit the home-cooked Mexican flavors.
Cabo Wabo is located in Granite Park on N. Cedar Ave. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 1 the next morning. For more restaurant reviews, visit Ashley Ward’s Nov. 19 article, Bakery crafts homestyle cupcakes.
